Some of the paraded suspects in Enugu on Tuesday
* We also recovered 46 guns, 45 exotic cars, says CP
The Enugu State commissioner of police, Mr. Kanayo Uzuegbu, on Tuesday paraded 83 suspects arrested for various crimes, ranging from kidnapping, car snatching, gunrunning, one-chance robbery and armed robbery between January till date across the state.
The CP also announced that no fewer than 20 kidnapped victims were rescued, while 46 firearms, 35 stolen exotic cars and six tricycle with 15 motorcycles were recovered from suspected criminals within the period under review.
Among the paraded suspects were eleven arrested in connection with the murder of the traditional ruler of Adani Community in Uzo-Uwani local government area of the state, Igwe Ezugwu Patrick, in the night hours of December 24, 2023; the kidnapping of one Hon. Vitalis Nwankwo and four others, who were later released after the payment of ransom; and the attempted murder of the chairman of the Neighbourhood Watch Group in the Adani community.
Some of the recovered vehicles
Speaking at the state police command headquarters, where the suspects were paraded, CP Uzuegbu identified the suspects as Henry Ikenna Okafor aged 29; Charles Eze aged 23; Amobi Okeke ‘m’ aged 33; Chukwuma Agu 38; Emmanuel Udealor (a.k.a. “Alhaji”) aged 44; Obeta Friday aged 21; Ekwe Ikechukwu aged 35; Ugwu Osmond Osita aged 49; Nzekwe Chukwuebuka Fidelis aged 25; Kingsley Aniche aged 35 and Ikowa Isaiah aged 29.
Be said, “The first two suspects, who identified and led the Operatives to the arrest of the other suspects, confessed to having carried out several criminal acts of kidnapping, armed robbery and murder within the Adani community and other parts of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area”.
Meanwhile, the CP has cautioned the officers and men of Enugu State Command to shun acts of corruption, unprofessionalism and moral debasements, which bring with them severe disciplinary consequences. They must remain professional, firm, upright and diligent in the performance of their duties.
He furthermore used the opportunity to warn unrepentant criminals to turn over a new leaf, “as we shall more than ever, turn up the heat and make Enugu State more uncomfortable for them and their activities. And if they fail to repent, then we shall stop at nothing to ruthlessly deal with them”.
He also strongly cautioned rumour-mongers, rabble-rousers and peddlers of fake, misinformative and disinformative news in Enugu State to desist forthwith, as the police would not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone found wanting, in accordance with extant laws, particularly the Cybercrime Act.
“There is no doubt that the task of tackling the increasing security challenges in our society is daily becoming daunting. Nonetheless, the assurance I bring the way of the good people of Enugu State is that we will remain focused and unflinching in our commitment to enthrone a crime-free and peaceful environment for all and sundry to thrive in their legitimate enterprises.
“I, however, urge the citizenry to remain law-abiding, security conscious and continue to support the Police, through the provision of credible and actionable security information; while also reporting suspected criminals and their activities to the nearest police station”.